With 32 college games under her belt, and statistics like an 80 percent free-throw-shooting average and 52 defensive rebounds, freshman Jamie Frey of Pace University probably seems more like a talent on the rise than a player making a comeback.

But last year, Frey, a 5'8" shooting guard from Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, Pa., faced a setback more debilitating than a broken leg and more emotionally devastating than an ACL tear. Shortly after her high school graduation, Frey was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Realizing her dream of playing college basketball was brought to an abrupt standstill while she underwent surgery and a year of cancer treatments.

But a year later, she joined the Pace squad and enjoyed an enormously successful freshman season. She helped the team win its first regional title since 1985 and a trip to the NCAA Division II National Tournament, where the Setters advanced to the Elite Eight‹losing to eventual champion Cal Poly Pomona.

In this interview, Frey discusses how her illness has changed her attitude about athletics, why she opted to go to a Division II program, and the time and dedication college basketball demands of its athletes.

Gball: Prior to your diagnosis, was your basketball career an all-consuming passion?
Frey: Yes, definitely. It was my whole life, and when I got sick, that put things into perspective.

How did your illness change the way you looked at things?
Growing up I spent a lot of my time with my family, and basketball and academics were my key interests. Basketball was a huge part of my life, and it still is, but getting sick really taught me that basketball is only a part of my life. There's so much more that I want to do with my life, and it made me realize how important every day is. I really don't take anything for granted anymore.

Do you appreciate the sport that much more now, since it was almost taken away from you?
Oh yeah, definitely. When I was diagnosed, I thought, "Oh my God. What am I going to do? Am I going to be able to play again?"

Can you explain how thyroid cancer affects the body?
Basically, the thyroid is a gland in the neck, and it's a big link to your metabolism, your energy level, how hot or cold you are, and your mood. It also affects endurance.

Is a lack of endurance what first made you go to the doctor?
No. I had no clue I was ill. I just always thought I was the type of person who never really enjoyed workouts. I love playing, but I'm not much of a runner. I lost a little weight too‹the cancer can cause weight gain or weight loss. All my friends were asking, "Are you eating right?" and I was like, "Yeah. I don't know what's going on."

And then I went for my routine physical after I graduated in June. My family physician found a lump in my neck, sent me for an ultrasound, and that led to a biopsy that came back malignant. So I had to go for surgery and have that whole thyroid removed as well as 12 lymph nodes. I spent a year at home going through a form of radiation treatment and recovering. Now I have to take a certain medication [for the rest of my life] because I don't have a thyroid anymore. Without that medication, my endurance is low and it's tough to continue working out.

Did you find it difficult being away from the game during that year of treatments?
It was tough because I was kind of in a state of limbo. I wasn't in high school anymore and I wasn't in college. It was like, "Okay, where is my place right now in life?" And I didn't know what to think. But my high school and my hometown were such supportive bases. They made sure I was included in everything, including watching some school games, and that was nice.

You were quoted as saying: "Not too many athletes decide to continue their careers after they're diagnosed with thyroid cancer." What made you decide to comeback?
Just because I have my whole life ahead of me. It made me realize that's the way my life is going, and I had no reason to stop.

College basketball is really competitive. Were you surprised that Coach Seymour held your scholarship for you rather than replacing you that year you were at home?
No. I wasn't surprised at all because they've been incredible. I knew I made the right decision in coming to Pace. Everyone has big hearts here. They know I'm talented, this is a great program, and I don't see why they wouldn't have held it. But I'm really grateful that they did.

Were you recruited by many schools?
I was recruited by a few. Central Connecticut State University was one. I'm from Pennsylvania, so a couple Division II and Division I schools from home showed interest. But I really liked it here‹the location, everything about it. I just had that feeling that this was the place for me.

Is it strange to be 18 and have schools pursue you?
It's cool. I liked it. I sent back all the questionnaires, and I kept my options open. I wasn't familiar with Pace when I first got a phone call from one of the coaches, but I decided I wanted to check it out.

What made you choose a Division II program over Division I?
I think the choice has to be about the program and the academics together. I looked at every school as a whole, and I wrote down the pros and cons. "Do I really want to go D-I and not get enough playing time? Or do I want to go to a good program where I know that I'm going to get a decent amount of playing time and get something out of all the work I'm putting in?" And I really liked it here. Coach Seymour has been awesome, the coaches, John Hochberg and Karen Mulligan are great. I just knew when I came to visit and everyone welcomed me that it was a really good atmosphere.

During this year's preseason, what were your main efforts to prepare for the 2000-01 season?
As far as endurance goes, just running. I'm a shooter, I'm a ball player, and that's always going to be there. But I struggled with endurance and speed. The staff kept pushing me: "Come on. Keep trying. Keep heart. Don't quit. You got it." They've been so supportive and really helped me to keep my mind off the cancer. I'm going home next week and I have some more treatments coming up, and being here totally keeps my mind off it.

Describe what this year was like, competitively.
So overwhelming with every kind of emotion. It's been a great experience and this is the best program I've been a part of. I'm very proud to be here. And the girls I've met and the friendships I've made are incredible. I've learned so much in the few months that I've been at Pace.

You have an impressive rebounding total for the year of 71, especially considering you averaged 15 minutes per game. What's your secret?
It's about being in the right place at the right time. My defense is key. If offense isn't there, you pick it up on D. I didn't play too much man-to-man in high school, and when I came here I had to learn that.

What was it like being in the NCAA Tournament?
When we walked into our hotel in Minnesota, all the teams were there, and there was a big welcome sign addressed to every single team. It was like something out of a movie. And playing on that court was just incredible! We worked really hard this year, and that was our reward, to get that far.

How is basketball different at the college level than high school?
The commitment it takes, the speed, and the time you have to devote are big differences. But I'm also having a lot more fun. I mean in high school, some people had softball or volleyball as their main sport, but here everyone's main game is basketball.

Has making the transition from high school to college been a challenge?
The first semester was, but they say every college freshman takes about a semester to adjust. I call my mom all the time, because she's my best friend, and say, "Mom, I miss you. I want to come home." And she just says, "Keep trying. Keep working hard." But I think about what I've been through, and while being away from home is tough, I'm a strong kid. I just try to do my best in everything and take each and every day for what it's worth.

What are you hoping to improve upon this offseason?
Just my speed and endurance. That's key. I have to make sure I keep working hard when I'm home after my treatments this month. I'll probably finish my treatments around mid-June, and then I can get myself in gear. I'd better be in good shape, because preseason is tough. But now I know what is expected of me and I can prepare.

How much time must athletes dedicate to practices and workouts in college?
Preseason is split up. We lift three times a week, we'll do sprint workouts twice a week, and play pick up two or three times a week. So preseason and post season are more spread out. During the season, we have to be there by 7:30 a.m. for our 8:00-11:00 a.m. practices. By the time you get out of your gear after practice, you've been there about four hours. It's not bad, but it's hard maintaining athletics and academics in terms of time management. But I'm on a schedule, which helps me. Because if I have too much time, I tend to procrastinate.

Have you chosen a major yet?
I'll most likely go into communications, but I haven't declared yet. I'm really indecisive in exactly what I want to do, but I'm good with people, and I love movies, so maybe I'll go into a field that's behind the scenes of films. But this year I just took a wide variety of classes to see what I like.

Many athletes have pregame rituals. How about you?
Coach gave me this quote from Michael Jordan and I have it up in my locker. I tend to read that often. It says: "Play every practice as if it's a game." And that reminds me to always give my best effort.

Interview conducted by Gball Assistant Editor Shelly Wilson.

Photos: Courtesy of Pace Sports Information.


Check out last year's q&a's by clicking here